Used goods donations
Note: this list was developed several years before the pandemic. Consider this a jumping-off point, as updates have not been made. Please contact these organizations before planning to drop off unneeded items. Another WONDERFUL resource that we now recommend is DonateGoodStuff.org.
We know how much you’d prefer to avoid throwing good things in the trash, so we’ve put together a broad list of goods and the organizations who can use them.
Wherever possible, the links below point directly to each organization’s wish-list or needed supplies.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in the last few years, we’ve heard countless stories from small non-profits about the unwanted, unhelpful crap that some people dump at their doorsteps (we’ve also had more than our share of these experiences). If you want to be legitimately helpful, it’s best to call ahead to make sure they need what you have and that the timing is good. Remember: consent is sexy!
If you know of other great organizations not on this list, we’d love to learn more: info@shopjunket.com.
Architectural Salvage: (follow link for specifics): Better Futures MN
Art supplies: (follow link for specifics): Art Start*
Baby clothes and toys (new): Bundles of Love
Other baby Items: Baby toys, digital infant scale Animal Humane Society*
Bags: Back packs/Athletic Bags, Grocery Bags (especially plastic) Listening House*
Bags: Ziplock bags (all sizes, especially gallon), plastic bags: Animal Humane Society*
Batteries: Batteries (AA, AAA, D, and 9-volt): Animal Humane Society*
Bed & Bath, good to nearly new condition: Towels, Wash Cloths, Sheet sets & Pillow Cases, Twin size flat sheets, Blankets & Pillows, Air Mattresses, Foam Sleeping Pads – Simpson Housing Services*
Bed & Bath: Heating pads (NOT auto-shut off), cloth towels, wash cloths, and white bath towels: Animal Humane Society*
Bed & Bath: towels and blankets in marginal condition: Safe Hands Rescue
Bicycles: working, needing repair, parts, locks, tools, accessories, helmets: Full Cycle Bike Shop*
Broken things: Musical instruments: Viva Musica*
Books, intact: (check the link for genres and specific needs): Women’s Prison Book Project*
Books, children’s: FamilyWise
Cleaning supplies: Feather dusters, laundry detergent, bleach, any kind of cleaning solutions or disinfectant, disinfecting wipes, automatic dish soap, regular dish soap, Luron hand cleaner soap, spray bottles with triggers, sponges & scrub pads, lint rollers, odor neutralizer spray, dish cloths and dish towels Animal Humane Society*
Clothing, Women’s Career: Dress for Success*
Clothing (in season only, please): Adult T-shirts (Med-3x), Adult Sweatshirts (Med-3x), Denims – All adult sizes, men & women, Casual slacks (Khaki, etc.), Men’s belts (all sizes), Underwear – Adult sizes, men & women, Lightweight jackets/Rain Ponchos, Winter jackets (beginning in October), Casual shirts/blouses/golf shirts, Athletic shoes of all sizes, Adult, white athletic socks Listening House*
Construction Materials & Tools, Newer: Habitat ReStore*
Electronics (in working condition): Small Microwaves (10 years old or newer), TVs (no console TVs) & VCR/DVD Players, Telephones, Answering Machines, Clock Radios, Vacuums Simpson Housing Services*
Electronics (in working condition): Large wall fans, Digital kitchen scale, Digital Thermometer, Electric heating pads: Animal Humane Society*
Electronics (working and non-working, other – note, in some cases, there will be a charge…see website): Tech Dump*
Fabric & sewing patterns: Textile Center
Flags: DAV
Food: Nuts (unsalted, any kind), Non-sugared cereals (e.g., Cheerios), Fresh veggies, peanut butter, Cheese singles, Meat-based baby food, Canned tuna in water, Hot dogs, Distilled water: Animal Humane Society*
Furniture: Lamps, Dressers, Coat Trees, Chairs, see more via this link: Bridging*
Hazardous Waste: please bring any toxic items to Hennepin County’s Household Hazardous Waste drop-off facility.
Home Maintenance, Tools: MN Tool Library
Hospitality items: Coffee, Tea, Sugar, Dry Creamer: Listening House*
Hygiene and self care: (Shampoo**, Conditioner**, Lotion**, Toothpaste, Tooth Brushes, Deodorant, Vaseline, Hair Gel**, Razors, Q-Tips, Old/New Bath towels, Face towels, Foot care: Foot Powder**, Epsom salt** Corn pads, Shoe liners, Adult shoe laces. Feminine Hygiene: Pads, Liners & Tampons (open boxes acceptable) Listening House* **open/partially used products accepted
Hygiene & self care: Unused disposable shaving razors, deodorant, travel size shampoos,
unopened toothbrushes for adults, nail clippers: Simpson Housing Services*
Kitchen goods: Ceramic Mugs, Dish cloths: Listening House*
Kitchen goods: Dishes, Silverware, Pots & Pans: Simpson Housing Services*
Medical equipment, durable: DAV
Medical items: Tegaderm, micropore or paper tape, Gauze, Tongue depressors, Hand/feet pocket warmers: Animal Humane Society*
Miscellaneous: Heat bulbs (100 watt, red color), Hand/feet pocket warmers, long zip ties Animal Humane Society*
Musical instruments: working, not working, parts and pieces, accessories, stands, and sheet music: Viva Musica*
Office related: Reading Glasses, Popular Novels, Pens & Pencils Listening House*
Paper goods: Kleenex**, Paper Napkins**: Listening House* **open product accepted
Paper goods: Paper bowls, Paper towels, : Safe Hands Rescue
Paper goods: Facial Tissue, Toilet paper, paper towels Animal Humane Society*
Pet supplies: Small and Medium Collars and Leashes, Kong toys, Nylabones, Nutrisource puppy and dog food, Lysol disinfecting wipes, Large clean towels, Dog crates, Nature’s Miracle stain and odor remover, Puppy pee pads: Safe Hands Rescue
Pet supplies: Gentle leaders (medium and large), Aquariums with lids, cat scratching posts, Animal dishes (any size, preferably not plastic that can be ingested), Cat toys (without cat nip), Feliway spray, Dog shampoo, Soft dog treats (not pre-chewed), Waterless shampoo, Canned kitten food, Greenies Pill Pockets, Puppy training pads, Sunny Seat window mounted cat beds, Treat puzzle toys, vet wrap, timothy hay, lactated ringers solution, pet sympathy cards: Animal Humane Society*
Pianos: Keys 4/4 Kids
Plastic stuff: Most big-box donation centers successfully offer and sell plastic goods. They’re also equipped to recycle such materials when they go unsold. Our favorite big-box thrift store is Arc’s Value Village*.
Recyclables: Paper towel rolls, oatmeal containers, egg cartons, calendars (outdated, with photos), grocery bags, gift bags, coffee cans, baby food jars:ArtStart*
Recyclables: Newspaper, plastic bags: Animal Humane Society*
Seasonal: Artificial Christmas Trees: Arc’s Value Village*.
Sewing related: Fabric scissors, fleece (for cat bedding): Animal Humane Society*
Sewing related: current materials: upholstery sample books, velcro, ribbon, polar fleece, fake fur, canvas: ArtStart*
Textiles & sewing patterns: Textile Center
Toys: Minneapolis Toy Library
Also: things disappear quickly on both Freecycle and Craigslist’s Free section. On Craigslist, including the words ‘curb alert’ in your post’s subject line is particularly effective (note: please pay attention to weather forecasts before putting items outside – waterlogged items become trash immediately).